Apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload. The apparatus has a pair of sections releasably secured to each other. Each section has an intermediate portion having a longitudinally extending axis and a spur receiving opening that extends through the intermediate portion and is transverse to the longitudinally extending axis, a first end portion attached to the intermediate portion and comprising a spur that extends in a generally lateral direction with respect to the longitudinally extending axis, and a second end portion attached to the intermediate portion such that the intermediate portion is between the first and second end portions. Each section is configured so that a lanyard can be connected to the section wherein in order to use the apparatus, a lanyard is attached to and between one section and a parachute, and another lanyard is attached to and between the other section and a payload. The apparatus has components that are configured to forcefully release the sections from each other upon ground impact by a payload that is linked to one of the sections. A device releasably engages both sections to prevent the components from prematurely releasing the sections from each other in the absence of tension forces on the apparatus. The device is responsive to the opening of a parachute canopy such that upon opening of the parachute canopy, the device disengages from the sections so that the components will be free to forcefully release the sections from each other upon ground impact by the payload.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or forthe Government of the United States of America for Governmental purposeswithout payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for releasing aparachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload.

2. Description of the Related Art

Parachutes are frequently used to deliver payloads to specific locationson the ground when it is not possible for aircraft to land. Typically,such locations are isolated and not accessible by other means oftransportation. Parachutes have become one of the main forms of payloaddelivery to military or civilian personnel located in isolated areas.

If the parachute remains connected to the payload when the payload hitsthe ground, winds or other air-turbulence can cause the parachute todrag the payload over the ground. This can damage or destroy thepayload.

Various prior art devices for releasing a parachute from its payload aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,502,097, 2,562,459, 2,655,163, 2,732,245,2,919,154, 4,619,424, and 5,687,931.

What is needed is a new and improved apparatus for instantly releasing aparachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a simple,efficient, durable, strong and quick-acting apparatus that instantlyreleases a parachute from a payload supported by the parachute when thepayload impacts the ground thereby preventing wind or otherair-turbulence from blowing the parachute along the ground with thepayload still attached thereto.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with aforesaid object, the present invention is directedto an apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload upon groundimpact by the payload. In one embodiment, this apparatus comprises apair of sections releasably secured to each other. Each sectioncomprises an intermediate portion having a longitudinally extending axisand a spur receiving opening that extends through the intermediateportion and is transverse to the longitudinally extending axis, a firstend portion attached to the intermediate portion and comprising a spurthat extends in a generally lateral direction with respect to thelongitudinally extending axis, and a second end portion attached to theintermediate portion such that the intermediate portion is between thefirst and second end portions. Each section further comprises means forattaching a lanyard to the section wherein in order to use theapparatus, a lanyard is attached between one of the sections and aparachute, and another lanyard is attached between the other section anda payload. The apparatus further comprises components to forcefullyrelease the sections from each other upon ground impact by a payloadthat is linked to one of the sections. The apparatus includes a devicethat releasably engages both sections to prevent the components fromprematurely forcefully releasing the sections from each other in theabsence of tension forces on the apparatus. The device is responsive tothe opening of the parachute canopy such upon opening of the parachutecanopy, the device disengages from the sections so that the componentswill be free to forcefully release the sections from each other uponground impact by the payload.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more readilyapparent and may be understood by referring to the following detaileddescription of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of an apparatus for releasinga parachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a partial, side elevational view of the section shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 2B is a view taken along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a side, elevational view of another section that is configuredto be releasably secured to the section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is side, elevational view showing the apparatus in accordancewith the first embodiment of the present wherein sections of FIGS. 1 and3 are releasably secured together;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side, elevational views of sections that that areconfigured to be releasably secured to each other to form an apparatusfor releasing a parachute from its payload upon ground impact by thepayload in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear, elevational view of the apparatus in accordance withthe second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown apparatus 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Apparatus 10 is configured for use withpayloads that weigh between about one (1) pound and three-thousand(3,000) pounds. Apparatus 10 generally comprises sections 12 and 14 thatare releasably secured together. Preferably, sections 12 and 14 aresubstantially identical to each other in structure and geometry.Sections 12 and 14 can be fabricated from any one of a variety ofmaterials that exhibit the required strength, e.g. metal, composites,plastics, etc. The particular material used to fabricate sections 12 and14 is highly dependent upon the maximum force that will be applied tosections 12 and 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, section 12 comprises intermediateportion 16, end portion 17 and end portion 18. Intermediate portion 16is attached to and between end portions 17 and 18. Intermediate portion16 comprises shank portion 19A and relatively wide portion 19B.Intermediate portion 16 has slot 20 and opening 22. Slot 20 transverseslongitudinally extending axis 32. Slot 20 is in proximity to end portion17 and is sized to receive a lanyard, line, wire, cord, etc. that iseither attached to a parachute or a payload. As used herein, the term“lanyard” shall include line, cable, wire, cord, etc. Shank portion 19Aincludes a pair of openings 24 and 26 that are relatively smaller thanopening 22. The purpose of openings 22, 24 and 26 is discussed in theensuing description. Curved, leaf spring 28 is connected to shankportion 19A and is positioned between openings 24 and 26. End portion 18comprises spur 30 that extends in a generally lateral direction withrespect to longitudinally extending axis 32. Spur 30 has a width that isless than the width of shank portion 19A. This difference in widthsprovides shoulders 29A and 29B. The purposes of shoulders 29A and 29Bare discussed in the ensuing description. As shown in FIG. 2A, spur 30is angulated with respect to horizontal reference axis 33 by an angle θ.Angle θ is between about 8° and 14°. However, it is critical that theangle θ does not exceed 15°. The purpose of this configuration isdiscussed in the ensuing description.

Referring to FIG. 3, section 14 comprises intermediate portion 40, endportion 41 and end portion 42. Intermediate portion 40 is attached toand between end portions 41 and 42. Intermediate portion 40 comprisesshank portion 43A and relatively wide portion 43B. Intermediate portion40 has a slot 44 and opening 46 which perform the same functions as slot20 and opening 22, respectively, of section 12. Shank portion 43A has apair of openings 48 and 49 that are relatively smaller than opening 46.The purpose of openings 48 and 49 are the same as the purpose ofopenings 24 and 26, respectively, of shank portion 19A of section 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, curved, leaf spring 50 is connected to shankportion 43A and located between openings 48 and 49. The purpose ofcurved, leaf spring 50 is the same as that of curved, leaf spring 28 ofsection 12 and is discussed in the ensuing description. End portion 42comprises spur 52. Spur 52 has substantially the same shape as spur 30and also performs the same function as spur 30. Spur 52 has a width thatis less than the width of shank portion 43A. This difference in widthsprovides a pair of shoulders. One of these shoulders is shoulder 54. Theother shoulder is not shown. The purpose of these shoulders is the sameas the purpose of shoulders 29A and 29B. Spur 52 is also angulated withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis 56 of section 14. In apreferred embodiment, spur 52 is angulated by the same angle to whichspur 30 (see FIG. 2A) is angulated.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, sections 12 and 14 are configured to bereleasably secured to each other. In order to releasably secure sections12 and 14 together, each section 12 and 14 is vertically oriented sothat spur 30 of section 12 is aligned with opening 46 in section 14, andspur 52 of section 14 is aligned with opening 22 of section 12. Next,spur 30 is inserted into opening 46 of section 14, and spur 52 isinserted into opening 22 of section 12. Sections 12 and 14 are pressedtogether so that curved, leaf springs 28 and 50 become compressed. Asafety tie 60 is inserted into through openings 24, 26 of sections 12and openings 48 and 49 of section 14 and configured to compress sections12 and 14 together so as to counter the opposite force produced bycurved, leaf springs 28 and 50. Thus, safety tie 60 keeps sections 12and 14 releasably secured together when tension forces do not exist onapparatus 10 thereby preventing sections 12 and 14 from beingprematurely released from one another prior to the opening of theparachute canopy. Lanyard 62 is connected to safety tie 60 and to aparachute canopy (not shown). A lanyard 64 is attached to section 12 viaslot 20 and then fastened to a payload (not shown). Lanyard 66 isfastened to section 14 via slot 44 and to a parachute (not shown).Although sections 12 and 14 are shown to have slot 20 and slot 44,respectively, for attaching lanyards, other alternate configurations canbe used. For example, instead of slots, the sections 12 and 14 can beconfigured to have eye-hooks, carabiners, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, during the opening phase of the parachute, atension force is created in lanyard 62 which breaks safety tie 60. Aftersafety tie 60 is broken, sections 12 and 14 are held together by thecombination of the shallow angle θ of spurs 30 and 52 and the tensionexerted on sections 12 and 14 by the force of the parachute and thepayload. Upon ground impact by the payload, tension on apparatus 10instantly decreases to zero, at which time curved, leaf springs 28 and50 force sections 12 and 14 apart causing spurs 30 and 52 to becomedislodged from openings 46 and 22, respectively, thereby instantlyreleasing sections 12 and 14 from each other. Section 14 remainsconnected to the parachute via lanyard 66 and section 12 remainsconnected to the payload via lanyard 64. As a result, the parachute isseparated from the payload. Thus, apparatus 10 effects instant releaseof the parachute from the payload after ground impact so that thepayload will not be dragged by the parachute.

If, upon ground impact by the payload, spur 52 becomes dislodged fromopening 22 before spur 30 becomes dislodged from opening 46, shoulders29A and 29B prevent the entire shank section 19A of section 12 fromsliding through opening 46. Similarly, if, upon ground impact by thepayload, spur 30 becomes dislodged from opening 46 before spur 52becomes dislodged from opening 22, the shoulders (e.g. shoulder 54) ofend portion 42 prevent the entire shank section 43A of section 14 fromsliding through opening 22.

In a preferred embodiment, sections 12 and 14 are substantiallyidentical in shape and structure. Thus, it does not matter which ofthese sections is attached to the parachute or the payload. Apparatus 10can be connected to one or more parachutes.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown an apparatus 100 forreleasing a parachute from its payload in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 100 is configured to beused with payloads that are heavier than 3000 pounds. Apparatus 100comprises section 102 and section 104. In a preferred embodiment,sections 102 and 104 are substantially identical in structure and shape.

Referring to FIG. 5, section 102 generally comprises intermediateportion 106, end portion 108 and opposite end portion 110. End portions108 and 110 are attached to intermediate portion 106 such thatintermediate portion 106 is between end portions 108 and 110. Section102 has slanted opening 112 which extends through the thickness ofsection 102 and which transverses longitudinally extending axis 120.Slanted opening 112 is sized for receiving spur 142 of section 104 (seeFIGS. 6 and 8). Section 102 further includes bore 114 and threaded bore116 which also extend through the thickness of section 102 andtransverse longitudinally extending axis 120. Bore 114 is sized forreceiving a safety lock pin assembly that is described in the ensuingdescription. Threaded bore 116 is sized for receiving a plug screwassembly which is also described in the ensuing description. End portion110 comprises spur 118 that is angulated with respect to longitudinallyextending axis 120 by angle θ. Angle θ is between about 8° and 14°. Itis critical that angle θ does not exceed 15°. End portion 108 isangulated with respect to longitudinally extending axis 120 by angle θ.It is critical that angle θ does not exceed 12°. Section 102 furtherincludes opening 122 that receives a lanyard, line, wire, cable, rope,etc. that is attached to either a parachute or payload. As used herein,the term “lanyard” shall include line, wire, cable, rope, etc. In apreferred embodiment, opening 122 is configured as a slot.

Referring to FIG. 6, section 104 generally comprises intermediateportion 130 and end portions 134 and 132 that are attached tointermediate portion 130. Intermediate portion 130 is between endportions 134 and 132. Intermediate portion 130 has slanted opening 136that extends through the thickness of section 130 and transverseslongitudinally extending axis 137. The purpose of slanted opening 136 issized to receive spur 118 of section 102 (see FIG. 5). Section 104further includes threaded bore 138 and bore 140 that extend through thethickness of section 104. Threaded bore 138 is sized for a receivingplug screw assembly which is described in the ensuing description. Bore140 is sized for receiving a safety lock pin assembly that is alsodescribed in the ensuing description. End portion 132 comprises spur 142that is angulated in the same manner as spur 118 of section 102. Endportion 134 is angulated in the same manner as end 108 of section 102.Section 104 further includes opening 144 that receives lanyard that isattached to either a parachute or payload. In a preferred embodiment,opening 144 is configured as a slot (see FIG. 7).

Although sections 102 and 104 are shown to have slot 122 and slot 144,respectively, for attaching lanyards, other alternate configurations canbe used. For example, instead of slots, the sections 102 and 104 can beconfigured to have eye-hooks, carabiners, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in order to releasably secure sections 102and 104 together, spur 142 of section 104 is inserted into slantedopening 112 of section 102, and spur 118 of section 102 is inserted intoslanted opening 136 of section 104. Next, safety lock pin 160 andejection spring 162 are inserted into bore 114. Ejection spring 162 ismounted on safety lock pin 160. Trigger pin 164 is inserted into acavity or bore 166 that is near distal end 167 of safety lock pin 160.Next, plug screw assemblies are inserted into threaded bores 116 and 138of sections 102 and 104, respectively. Specifically, a plug screwassembly comprising plug screw 170, separation spring 172 and contactmember 174 are inserted into threaded bore 116. Spring 172 is mounted oncontact member 174. Plug screw 170 is screwed into threaded bore 116until contact member 174 abuts intermediate portion 130 of section 104and spring 172 is significantly compressed between plug screw 170 andcontact member 174. Similarly, a plug screw assembly comprising plugscrew 180, separation spring 182 and contact member 184 are insertedinto threaded bore 138. Spring 182 is mounted on contact member 184.Plug screw 180, spring 182 and contact member 184 function in the samemanner as plug screw 170, spring 172 and contact member 174,respectively. Plug screw 180 is screwed into threaded bore 138 untilcontact member 184 abuts intermediate portion 106 of section 104 andspring 182 is significantly compressed between plug screw 180 andcontact member 184.

As shown in FIG. 8, a lanyard 190 is fastened to a parachute canopy (notshown) and inserted through an opening in trigger pin 164. Cable stop192 is connected to the end of lanyard 190. Another lanyard (not shown)is fastened to section 104 via opening 144 and to a payload (not shown).A further lanyard (not shown) is fastened to section 102 via opening 122and to the parachute (not shown). During the opening phase of theparachute canopy, tension forces are applied to apparatus 100 whichforce sections 102 and 104 tightly together. Lanyard 190 is drawn up bythe parachute canopy until cable stop 192 contacts trigger pin 164.Further movement of lanyard 190 withdraws trigger pin 164 from safetylock pin 160. Once this occurs, ejection spring 162 ejects safety lockpin 160 from bore 114 thereby arming the apparatus 100 such thatsections 102 and 104 will be free to separate from one another once thepayload impacts the ground. As the parachute and payload descend,tension is applied to apparatus 100. This tension, in combination withthe placement of angled spurs 118 and 142 in slanted openings 136 and112, respectively, keep sections 102 and 104 secured together duringdescent. Upon ground impact of the payload, the tension force betweenthe parachute and payload instantly decreases to zero thereby allowingseparation springs 172 and 182 to force sections 102 and 104 apart suchthat spurs 118 and 142 are ejected from openings 136 and 112,respectively. When this occurs, sections 102 and 104 are completelyseparated from each other, section 102 remains connected to theparachute and section 104 remains connected to the payload.

Thus, apparatus 100 effects instant release of the parachute from thepayload after ground impact so that the payload will not be dragged oroverturned. Thus, the payload is prevented from being damaged ordestroyed.

Since sections 102 and 104 are identical in geometry and construction,it does not matter which section is attached to the parachute orpayload. Apparatus 100 can be connected to one or more parachutes.

The apparatus of the present invention is scalable in size, mass, andstrength depending upon load requirements

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. Itis neither intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed; and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications andvariations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined bythe accompanying claims.

1. An apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload upon groundimpact by the payload, comprising: a pair of sections releasably securedto each other, each section comprising: an intermediate portion having alongitudinally extending axis and a spur receiving opening that extendsthrough the intermediate portion and is transverse to the longitudinallyextending axis, a first end portion attached to the intermediate portionand comprising a spur that extends in a generally lateral direction withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis, a second end portionattached to the intermediate portion such that the intermediate portionis between the first and second end portions, wherein the spur of onesection is disposed in the spur receiving opening of the other section,means for attaching a lanyard to the section, wherein in order to usethe apparatus, a lanyard is attached to and between one of the sectionsand a parachute, and another lanyard is attached to and between theother section and a payload; and components to forcefully release thesections from each other when a payload linked to one of the sectionsimpacts the ground; and a device releasably engaged to both sections toprevent the components from prematurely forcefully releasing thesections from each other, the device being responsive to the opening ofa parachute canopy such that when the parachute canopy opens, the devicedisengages from the sections so that the components will be free toforcefully release the sections from each other upon ground impact bythe payload.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spur ofeach section is angulated with respect to the longitudinally extendingaxis.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spur receivingopening in each intermediate portion is slanted so as to receive theangulated spur of the other section.
 4. The apparatus according to claim1 wherein the sections are identical to each other.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion comprises a shankportion.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the componentscomprise a pair of spring members, one spring member being connected tothe shank portion of one section, and the other spring member beingattached to the shank portion of the other section, the spring membersbeing compressed between the sections.
 7. The apparatus according toclaim 6 wherein the device comprises: at least one opening that extendsthrough each section and is adjacent to the spring member; and a safetytie disposed through at least one opening in each section and configuredso as to maintain the spring members in a compressed state.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein each section has a threaded borethat extends through the intermediate portion and is transverse to thelongitudinally extending axis and has an opening that confronts theother section, and wherein the components comprise: a threaded memberscrewed into the threaded bore; a contact member movably positioned inthe bore; and a spring member interposed between the contact member andthe threaded member so that as the threaded member is screwed into thethreaded bore, the spring member becomes compressed thereby forcing thecontact member to protrude from the opening of the bore and apply aforce to the other section.
 9. A section of an apparatus for releasing aparachute from its payload upon ground impact by the payload wherein theapparatus comprises two such sections releasably secured together, thesection comprising: an intermediate portion having a longitudinallyextending axis and a spur receiving opening that extends through theintermediate portion and is transverse to the longitudinally extendingaxis; a first end portion attached to the intermediate portion andcomprising a spur that extends in a generally lateral direction withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis and which is angulated withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis, a second end portionattached to the intermediate portion such that the intermediate portionis between the first and second end portions, a spring member attachedto the intermediate portion and oriented so that it is compressed whenthe intermediate portion is pressed against the other section of theapparatus; and means for attaching a lanyard to the section.
 10. Thesection according to claim 9 wherein the intermediate portion has anadditional, but significantly smaller, opening adjacent to the springmember which is sized to receive a tie member.
 11. The section accordingto claim 10 wherein the intermediate section comprises a shank portionand wherein the spring member is connected to the shank portion.
 12. Thesection according to claim 11 wherein shank portion extends along thelongitudinally extending axis and is attached the first end portion, thespur having a first width and the shank portion having a second widththat is greater than the first width wherein the difference between thefirst and second widths provides a shoulder on either side of the spur.13. An apparatus for releasing a parachute from its payload upon groundimpact by the payload, comprising: a pair of sections releasably securedto each other, each section comprising: an intermediate portion having alongitudinally extending axis and a spur receiving opening that extendsthrough the intermediate portion and is transverse to the longitudinallyextending axis, a first end portion attached to the intermediate portionand comprising a spur that extends in a generally lateral direction withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis and which is angulated withrespect to the longitudinally extending axis, a second end portionattached to the intermediate portion such that the intermediate portionis between the first and second end portions, a spring member attachedto the intermediate portion and oriented so that it is compressed whenthe intermediate portion is pressed against the other section, means forattaching a lanyard to the section, and wherein the spur of one sectionis disposed in the spur receiving opening of the intermediate portion ofthe other section and the spring members are compressed between thesections thereby urging the sections away from each other; and a deviceengaging both sections to counter the urging force produced by thespring members and keep the sections compressed together, the devicebeing responsive to the force produced by the opening of a parachutecanopy such that upon the opening of the parachute canopy, the devicedisengages from the sections so that the spring members will be free toforcefully release the sections from each other upon ground impact by apayload that is supported by one of the sections; and means for linkingthe canopy of the parachute to the device.
 14. The apparatus accordingto claim 13 wherein the intermediate portion of each section has atleast one additional opening that is adjacent to the spring member. 15.The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the device comprises abreakable tie inserted through the at least one additional opening ofeach intermediate portion.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15wherein the means for linking comprises a lanyard attached to andbetween the breakable tie and a parachute canopy.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 13 wherein the spur has a first width and theintermediate portion of each section comprises a shank portion thatextends along the longitudinally extending axis and is attached thefirst end portion, the shank portion having a second width that isgreater than the first width wherein the difference between the firstand second widths provides a shoulder on either side of the spur, theshoulders preventing the shank portion from sliding through the spurreceiving opening in the intermediate section of the other section. 18.The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the means for attaching alanyard to the section comprises a slot located in the intermediateportion.
 19. A section of an apparatus for releasing a parachute fromits payload upon ground impact by the payload wherein the apparatuscomprises two such sections releasably secured together, the sectioncomprising: an intermediate portion having a longitudinally extendingaxis and a spur receiving opening that extends through the intermediateportion and is transverse to the longitudinally extending axis; a firstend portion attached to the intermediate portion and having a spur thatextends in a generally lateral direction with respect to thelongitudinally extending axis and which is angulated with respect to thelongitudinally extending axis; a second end portion attached to theintermediate portion such that the intermediate portion is between thefirst and second end portions; means for attaching a lanyard to thesection; a first bore that extends through the intermediate portion andis transverse to the longitudinally extending axis; and a second borethat extends through the intermediate portion and is transverse to thelongitudinally extending axis.
 20. The section according to claim 19further comprising a device disposed in the second bore that isconfigured to exert a force on the other section of the apparatus whenthe two sections of the apparatus are releasably secured together. 21.The section according to claim 19 wherein the means for attaching alanyard comprises a slot in the second end portion.
 22. An apparatus forreleasing a parachute from its payload upon ground impact by thepayload, comprising: a pair of sections releasably secured to eachother, each section comprising: an intermediate portion having alongitudinally extending axis and a slanted, spur receiving opening thatextends through the intermediate portion and is transverse to thelongitudinally extending axis, a first end portion attached to theintermediate portion and having a spur that extends in a generallylateral direction with respect to the longitudinally extending axis andwhich is angulated with respect to the longitudinally extending axis, asecond end portion attached to the intermediate portion such that theintermediate portion is between the first and second end portions,wherein the spur of one section is disposed in the slanted, spurreceiving opening of the intermediate portion of the other section, abore that extends through the intermediate portion and is transverse tothe longitudinally extending axis, a first device disposed in the borethat is configured to exert a force on the other section, and means forattaching a lanyard to the section; and a second device engaging bothsections to counter the forces exerted on each section by the firstdevice of the other section and keep the sections compressed together,the device being responsive to the force produced by the opening of aparachute canopy such that upon the opening of the parachute canopy, thedevice disengages from the sections so that the first devices will befree to forcefully release the sections from one another upon groundimpact by a payload supported by one of the sections; and means forlinking a parachute canopy to the second device.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 22 wherein the intermediate portion of each sectionhas a second bore that extends therethrough and is transverse to thelongitudinally extending axis, the second bores being aligned with oneanother, and wherein the second device comprises: a single pin memberextending through both of the second bores, the single pin member havinga head portion that abuts the exterior surface of one section and adistal end that protrudes from the second bore of the other section; alocking pin releasably engaged with the distal end of the single pinmember to prevent the single pin member from being dislodged from thesecond bores; means for exerting a force on the single pin member thatcan eject the single pin member from the second bores upon release ofthe locking pin; and means for linking the locking pin to a parachutecanopy so that the force produced by the opening of the parachute canopyreleases the locking pin from the distal end of the single pin member.24. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the means for attachingthe lanyard to the section comprises a slot in the second end portion.